In Memory...

It's been a tough couple of days. Last week we lost my grandfather, Robert Allen Thurman, at the age of 81. He was such a wonderful man, and I was incredibly blessed to be able to spend so much time with him over the past few years. He was married to my grandmother, Sissy, for 61 years...61 years! Amazing.

Friday we had a memorial service in San Antonio for him and Saturday we said our final earthly goodbyes in Longview, Texas. My brother came in from Virginia to help conduct both services. It was so incredibly personal and intimate to be able to celebrate his life all together as a family.

I miss him very much and it is all a little surreal that he is no longer here. Grandpa was a believer in Christ so I know that I'll see him again. That is the only thing that has made all of this so much easier. I know he is actually with Jesus right now. Amazing.

I wrote his obituary last week and thought I would share it with you all.

The Lord called Robert Allen Thurman home on August 18, 2010 at the age of 81. Robert was born on December 26, 1928 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Eva Burke and Bryan Thurman. He grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana and Kilgore, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Dolores “Sissy” (Carlton) Thurman. He attended Kilgore High School and Kilgore Junior College. Sissy and Robert relocated to the West Texas oil fields where Robert started as a roughneck and moved up to management until his retirement from Dresser Industries. Upon retirement Sissy and Robert returned to East Texas to fish and enjoy life together before moving to San Antonio to be closer to family.

Robert is remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his generosity and care of family and friends over the years, his loving callused, hard working hands, his always present smile and his devotion and dedication to his soul mate Dolores. He had a soft spot for any animal, a passion for fishing and hunting, and a love of Travis Club cigars. Robert was a humble man who wanted to live by the word of God and love and provide for his wife and children in every way that he could.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Dolores Carlton Thurman, son Michael Thurman and wife Kari, daughter, Delia De Los Reyes and husband David, brother Lane Thurman and wife Nancy, grandchildren, Natalie Jones and husband Josh, Cory Thurman and wife Magen, Amy Cox and husband Mike, and Julie De Los Reyes and husband Stuart Noble along with 5 great grandchildren.

Thanks to all of you for your calls and emails this past week. Your support and prayers have meant so much.

Grandpa, we miss and love you.